(DALLAS, Texas) – Evacuations in Southeast Texas during Hurricane Gustav cost Buckner International thousands of dollars, and with the imminent arrival of Hurricane Ike along the Texas Gulf Coast, thousands more will be needed.

Buckner International President Ken Hall is asking for support to help offset these costs.

“Typically we ask for disaster relief to help offset the suffering of affected children and families in areas we serve,” he said. “But with two evacuations in coastal areas where we minister in just two weeks because of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, we’re asking for help.”

Dozens of children were recently relocated from Buckner Children’s Village in Beaumont, along with dozens of elder residents at Calder Woods in skilled care and memory support. They were taken to Austin, Houston and Dallas and just returned to their homes last week.

An earlier decision this week to evacuate residents again has been put on hold as the storm’s path has altered drastically towards the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico. Buckner staff plan to make a decision regarding evacuations early Wednesday morning.

Hall is also asking for prayer for Buckner staff, elders and children affected by the storms.

“These emergencies not only come at a financial cost, but our staff is bone tired from travel and the additional care,” Hall said. “Please pray for them and for our elders and children, who experience anxiety when we make these moves.”

A donation form is available online at www.buckner.org. Every penny donated will go towards emergency relief efforts for children, families and seniors in Buckner’s care.